How to Begin a Bookclub - 10 Tips

Below are some tips for starting a book club.

1. Focus : Can be general reading, best sellers, prize winning or specific genres such as mysteries, romance, children's books, science fiction, or nonfiction.

2. Location: either someone's home or public facility such as a community center, local bookstore or library.

3. Number of members: 6 to unlimited. But, it depends on the location. For example, if the meeting is in someone's home, then small a group of 6-8 works best.

4. Recruitment: how many members and types of members will determine the method of recruitment (i.e. open to all, or for women only, children included, targeting teenagers, or retired folks).

5. Refreshments: light snacks and drinks add to a more relaxed atmosphere which is conducive for discussions. You can have a pot-luck where everyone brings something, rotate the food responsibility to one or more persons, or folks can chip in some money to cover expenses.

6. Points for discussion: the author, book themes, characters/plot, specific passages, what you liked or disliked about the book.

7. Moderator: it is important to designate a discussion leader (or rotate the responsibility) in order to help move the meeting along, guide the discussion points, make sure everyone has a chance to speak, and keep within the time frame of the meeting.

8. Frequency of meetings: book clubs often meet once a month. But in order to allow enough time for everyone to obtain and read the upcoming book for discussion, clubs can meet anywhere from once a week to every other month to only twice a year, depending on the members' desires and availability.

9. Length of meetings: generally two hours, but anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on the host availability and group consensus.

10. Day of the Week and Time: consistency is important. The meeting day and time depends on the host and consensus of the group and can vary from a weekend afternoon to an evening during the week.